Pandemic-Related Experiences of Older Adults and People with Disabilities

Abstract

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> To understand how pandemic related restrictions and regulations have affected older adults and people with disabilities we drew on Sen's Capabilities Approach (Sen, 1985; Venkatapuram, 2011) to explore their pandemic-related experiences. <h3>Design</h3> This qualitative description study (Sandelowski, 2000;2010) used interview data that were collected as part of a larger mixed-methods study. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and inductive analysis was informed by Sen's Capabilities Approach. <h3>Setting</h3> Teleconference. <h3>Participants</h3> We recruited community dwelling participants from four groups: people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) (n = 22), people who have experienced a stroke (n = 26), people with other disabilities (n = 13), and older adults (over the age of 65) without reported disabilities (n = 10). <h3>Interventions</h3> N/A. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> N/A. <h3>Results</h3> Our analysis identified one overarching theme: "navigating the new normal" described the challenges and successes participants experienced in the face of pandemic-related recommendations, restrictions and regulations. The overarching theme encapsulated three sub-themes. 1) "Trying to stay connected" explored feelings of social isolation and strategies used to reduce feelings of loneliness. 2) "Worrying about the future" described the personal and societal uncertainties participants grappled with. 3) "Exerting control" emphasized how participants tried to deal with pandemic related restrictions that affected their daily activities and health management. <h3>Conclusions</h3> As has been found in previous survey research, pandemic restrictions appear to have exacerbated previously existing inequities experienced by some older adults and people with disabilities, as those who were disadvantaged prior to the pandemic, bore the brunt of restrictions (Drum et al., 2020). Greater consultation is needed to reduce detrimental effects of pandemic restrictions on these populations and promote strengths-based approaches to deal with the current situation and potential future pandemics. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> The authors have no disclosures.